VehicleVerdict

1999 Toyota Camry problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 661 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Camry year — the 1999 model ranks #14 of 43 Camry years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 117 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (126), brakes (103), and airbags (76), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

661

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

134

Crash-involved

55

Fires reported

117

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Camry years?

Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted3,669 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 19 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 70 complaints1988: 88 complaints1989: 138 complaints1990: 160 complaints1991: 186 complaints1992: 646 complaints1993: 334 complaints1994: 364 complaints1995: 373 complaints1996: 567 complaints1997: 685 complaints1998: 751 complaints1999: 661 complaints2000: 577 complaints2001: 356 complaints2002: 1,183 complaints2003: 946 complaints2004: 798 complaints2005: 905 complaints2006: 393 complaints2007: 3,669 complaints2008: 1,139 complaints2009: 1,611 complaints2010: 764 complaints2011: 779 complaints2012: 807 complaints2013: 377 complaints2014: 637 complaints2015: 362 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 1,082 complaints2019: 551 complaints2020: 374 complaints2021: 192 complaints2022: 87 complaints2023: 85 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 198 complaints
Camry NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Toyota Camry problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12619%
Brakes10316%
Airbags7611%
Speed Control6510%
Electrical System437%
Suspension365%
Visibility & Wipers315%
Tires & Wheels305%
Steering244%
Other223%
Transmission193%
Lighting183%
Body & Structure183%
Fuel System142%
Seat Belts142%
Seats91%
Latches & Locks71%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)61%

Does the 1999 Toyota Camry have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

01V012000Speed ControlJanuary 16, 2001 · 53,061 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND V6 ENGINES, AND BUILT AT ONE OF TWO LINES AT THE KENTUCKY PLANT. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE HOUSING COULD BE DEFORMED AT THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR-TO-THROTTLE BODY CONNECTION. THE ACCELERATOR INNER-CABLE COULD WEAR AWAY AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE OR REMAIN IN ITS MOST RECENT POSITION REGARDLESS OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL OPERATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 TOYOTA CAMRY. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES ENGULFED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 24, 2014 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH VEHICLE ACCELERATED, BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND PEDAL WENT TO FLOORBOARD. VEHICLE WENT INTO AN INTERSECTION AND FRONTAL IMPACT INTO A HOUSE. DEALER CONTACTED AND IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED AT OWNERS EXPENSE. (2) AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 14, 1999 · crash

“DRIVER SEAT BROKE INTO A RECLINING POSITION DURING REAR IMPACT COLLISION - AFTER BEING PUSHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES, FOR FRONT END IMPACT, NEITHER NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED - I AM CONCERNED THAT HAD THE VEHICLE IMPACTED ME HARDER AND COME INTO THE BACK SEAT A LITTLE MORE, THE RECLINING DRIVER SEAT WOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 30, 2001 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, SHE APPLIED GAS PEDAL TO SPEED UP, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROAR AND SLOWDOWN. CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, BUT VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS HIT BY ONCOMING TRUCK. VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. MECHANIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 15, 2000 · crash

“I TURNED ON REAR DEFROST AND WITHIN FEW SECONDS BACK SEAT WAS ON FIRE. WINDOW BURNT SEAT AND SEAT BELT ALSO BURNED HAND. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL CAUSE. I FIGURED A FUSE WOULD BLOW PRIOR TO A FIRE INSIDE CAR. HAD I BEEN ON FWY I WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN LUCKY GAS TANK IS INCHES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 14, 2019 · fire

1999 Toyota Camry — common questions

Is the 1999 Toyota Camry reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 661 complaints put the 1999 model at #14 of 43 Camry years. It is one of the Camry years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Camry problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (126 complaints), brakes (103 complaints), airbags (76 complaints).

Does the 1999 Toyota Camry have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Toyota Camry under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry years to avoid are 2007, 2009, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2003, 2005, 2012, 2004, 2011, 2010, 1998, 1997, 1999, 1992, 2014, 2000, 1996, 1995. The cleanest record among Camry years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.